As is the tradition of hosting a multisport event, Indonesia will celebrate with a torch relay across the country next week in an effort to promote the Asian Games — with a little help from celebrities.

The torch will begin its journey from an eternal flame at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, India — the first host of the Games — to Indonesia on July 15. After arriving in the host country, it will be carried through 18 provinces, starting from the Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta on July 18.

To help create buzz about the relay and the Games, official sponsor Samsung appointed a host of celebrities as torch relay ambassadors. They are actresses Dian Sastrowardoyo and Mikha Tambayong as well as actors Hamish Daud and Chiccho Jerrikho.

Dian, famous for her roles in Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (What’s Up with Cinta?) and Kartini, said she felt honored to carry out the duty as it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The 36-year-old said it matched her personal ambition to participate in a marathon in the near future.

“I have increased the frequency of my training program [ahead of the marathon and the torch-bearing duty],” she said, adding that she would also share her experience about the relay on her social media accounts to help spread the Games spirit.

Mikha, who is also a singer, said she was happy to be part of the relay as hosting the Games was a rare experience.

“Many people of my generation don’t understand that it is a huge honor to host an event like the Asian Games,” said the 23-year-old.

Dian is set to run in Surakarta, Central Java; Mikha in co-host Palembang, South Sumatra; Hamish will do his part in Bali and Chicco will take to the roads of Bogor, West Java.

Each torch bearer will run an average of 500 meters to 2 kilometers per city. The torch is set to pass through 53 cities, traveling a distance of 18,000 km.

Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) secretary-general Erris Haryanto said the organizers had cooperated with regional administrations to host the relay, which was also expected to boost local tourism.

With less than 40 days before the opening on Aug. 18, Erris said the organizers had been busy testing 93 venues in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra.

In May, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo slammed the organizers over a lack of Games buzz.

He adopted a unique approach by wearing a specially designed jacket bearing Games symbols to help with the promotion.

Shortly after that, the organizers organized a series of promotional events, including the launch of the Games medal and theme song “Meraih Bintang” (Reaching for the Stars) by modern dangdut singer Via Vallen.

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